Justification (2 vols.) (New Studies in Dogmatics)

$63.99

Overview

The doctrine of justification stands at the center of our systematic reflection on the meaning of salvation as well as our piety, mission, and life together. In his two-volume work on the doctrine of justification, Michael Horton seeks not simply to repeat noble doctrinal formulas and traditional proof texts, but to encounter the remarkable biblical justification texts in conversation with the provocative proposals that, despite a wide range of differences, have reignited the contemporary debates around justification.

Key Features

Explores the historic development of the doctrine of justification

Provides concise, focused treatments of major topics in dogmatic theology through a contemporary lens

Bridges the gap between exegesis and theology

Praise for the Print Edition

Respectfully yet relentlessly pressing Horton’s many conversation partners in New Testament, this thorough, systematic, and far-ranging work
advances a reading both distinctive and yet more traditional than many
of today’s dominant paradigms. Horton also exposes some of our blind
spots, properly challenging mischaracterizations of the Reformers. In
contrast to some New Testament scholars driven too much by modern
philosophic premises, Horton is often more faithful to ancient interpretations relevant to the biblical cultures. As a New Testament scholar,
I profited repeatedly from his historical context for various theological
approaches in modern New Testament scholarship.

This is a serious and important work coming from a leading Reformed
theologian. It concerns a pivotal doctrine that was at the heart of
the Reformation and that continues to provoke differences between
Protestants and Catholics. Both Protestant and Catholic readers—not
only scholars but also theologically interested laity—will profit by
wrestling with this learned historical study.

Individual Titles

In the Logos edition, these volumes are enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Justification, Volume 1

Volume 1 engages in a descriptive task—an exercise in historical theology exploring the doctrine of justification from the patristic era to the Reformation. Broadening the scope, Horton explores patristic discussions of justification under the rubric of the “great exchange.” He provides a map for contemporary discussions of justification, identifying and engaging his principal interlocutors: Origen, Chrysostom, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, William of Ockham, Gabriel Biel, and the magisterial reformers. Observing the assimilation of justification to the doctrine of penance in medieval theology, especially via Peter Lombard, the work studies the transformations of the doctrine through Aquinas, Scotus and the nominalists leading up to the era of the Reformation and the Council of Trent. He concludes his first study by examining the hermeneutical and theological significance of the Reformers’ understanding of the law and the gospel and the resultant covenantal scheme that became formative in Reformed theology. This then opens the door to the constructive task of volume 2—to investigate the biblical doctrine of justification in light of contemporary exegesis.

Justification, Volume 2

Building on his historical-theological exploration of justification in volume 1, in this second volume Horton embarks upon a constructive task of investigating the biblical doctrine of justification in light of contemporary exegesis. Here he takes up the topic of justification from biblical-theological, exegetical, and systematic-theological vantage points, engaging significantly with contemporary debates in biblical, especially Pauline, scholarship. Horton shows that the doctrine of justification finds its most ecumenically-significant starting point and proper habitat in union with Christ, where the greatest consensus, past and present, is to be found among Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant theologies. At the same time, he proposes that the union with Christ motif achieves its clearest and most consistent articulation in forensic justification. The final chapter locates justification within the broader framework of union with Christ.

About Michael Horton

Michael Horton (PhD) is Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary in California. Author of many books, including The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, he also hosts the White Horse Inn radio program. He lives with his wife, Lisa, and four children in Escondido, California.